This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognizing you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting. We do not share any your subscription information with third parties. It is used solely to send you notifications about site content occasionally.

getting pregnant

Infertility affects many young couples (estimates are as high as ~ 1 in 6), and the prevalence is increasing. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) National Survey of Family Growth done back in 1995 showed 6.1 million infertile women ages 15 to 44, 9.1 million using infertility services, and 2.1 million infertile married couples in the United States.1 According to a press release from the National Fertility Association, the data from 2002 indicates an increase in the number of infertile people in the United States to 7.3 million.2

These numbers are continuing to rise as sperm counts drop worldwide and undiagnosed thyroid problems increase—so you are not alone. "It looks as if the amount of infertility in the Western world could double in the next decade," Prof. Bill Ledger, a fertility expert at Sheffield University in England, told a June 2005 meeting of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology.

Various factors may be responsible for the inability to
achieve a successful pregnancy. Despite research showing
that fertility declines after age 30, women are delaying
having children. Infertility may be caused by ovulatory,
anatomic, immunologic, infectious, nutritional or hormonal
factors on the woman's side. In men, abnormalities
of semen parameters are the most common contributors.
In 1940, the average sperm count was 113 million/
ml. By 1990 this had dropped to 66 million sperm/ml
and semen volume dropped ~ 20 percent from 3.4 to
2.75 cc. These represent an ~ 60 percent decrease in
sperm per ejaculate over a 50 year period.3 Treatments
that improve cellular energy production may dramatically
increase sperm motility.

After a thorough work-up, treatment can sometimes be planned
that aims to correct the problems identified. In many cases,
however, the cause of the infertility remains unexplained. In
this setting, the only option many couples are given is IVF (In
Vitro Fertilization). IVF is given attention because it costs ~
$30,000+, while research on inexpensive natural options has
been ignored (not because doctors don't care, but simply because
no one will pay to publicize the information).

The good news is there are many natural ways to improve
all steps of the reproductive process. A large number of studies
have successfully explored the use of individual nutritional and
hormonal therapies to do this, resulting in women with unexplained/
untreatable infertility often getting pregnant!

For The Woman

Life Style Education
These are important things to avoid from now until after you are three months pregnant, as they can cause infertility. Just do the best you can with these guidelines—OK to not be "perfect" with them.

Avoid coffee and sodas5 (Tea is OK). Coffee and sodas inhibit fertility-often markedly. Especially avoid caffeine if your Prolactin blood test is LOW as it can lower it further.

Avoid melatonin (which is sometimes used to treat insomnia) as it can affect reproductive hormones.6

Avoid taking over 900 mg of supplemental Vitamin C (causes reversible infertility). Taking 750 mg a day of Vitamin C however helps infertility7 so we will supply this amount. Do not take over 7000 units of Supplemental Vitamin A (causes birth defects—beta carotene is OK) daily. The supplement we supply has 3500 IU of Vitamin A (the other 3500 IU it contains is beta carotene).

Avoid hot tubbing (it increases birth defect risks). A hot bath, which is not over 100 degrees in temperature, is a safer way to relax. In a bath much of your upper body will remain out of the water, making you less likely to overheat. Additionally, the water in a bath begins to cool off, as opposed to a hot tub, further reducing any risk of overheating.8 A hot tub is usually set at 102–104 degrees, which can overheat your body and can harm the baby.

Avoid a high protein/Atkins' diet9(an Atkins like diet in a rat study decreased fertility over 50 percent).

No alcohol if Prolactin levels are higher than 10 (and avoid in general as is convenient).10

Avoid vaginal lubricants such as FemGlide, Replens and Astroglide, which can damage sperm. Pre-seed brand is OK.11

If you smoke, stop till after the baby is born. Smoking contributes to infertility in many ways.12

Lifestyle Things To Do To Help Get Pregnant

It works best to have intercourse on the day you ovulate and up to four days before (otherwise "ad lib" whenever you feel like it). It is OK to have intercourse multiple times during this period. For purposes of getting pregnant, intercourse even one day after ovulation is unlikely to result in pregnancy—but OK to do anyway for its other benefits.

Enjoy milk products but use regular ones that have the normal amount of milk fat (e.g.-whole milk) instead of low fat or fat free milk products. In a Harvard study, high intake of low-fat dairy foods was associated with an increased risk of infertility, while an increased intake of high-fat dairy foods was associated with a lower risk of infertility. Women consuming at least two servings of low-fat dairy foods per day showed an 85 percent increased risk of infertility. On the other hand, women consuming at least one serving of highfat dairy foods per day showed a 27 percent reduced risk of infertility.13 Whole milk products (instead of low fat ) also taste better!

Treatments

Supply overall nutritional support with the "Energy Revitalization Powder" by Enzymatic Therapy and a healthy, wellbalanced diet.14,15,16,17 As noted above, dieting and high protein/ low carbohydrate diets are to be avoided.18,19 Stay on these when you get pregnant and through breast feeding.

Add prescription Armour thyroid 30 mg adjusted to dose that feels best (to a maximum of 90 mg) or Synthroid 25–75 mcg 19 A&B while keeping Free T4 < 75 percent of the upper limit of normal. Take it in the morning. DO NOT TAKE IRON OR CALCIUM SUPPLEMENTS WITHIN SIX HOURS OF THE THYROID DOSE, OR THE THYROID WILL NOT BE ABSORBED. Take your calcium at dinner and bedtime. If you get shaky or hyper or racing heart, lower the thyroid dose (or stop it) and discuss with your doctor. Stay on the thyroid through your pregnancy (it supports a healthy pregnancy).

Optimize iron levels. If the ferritin blood test is under 80 or iron percent saturation under 25 percent, treat with an iron tablet one a day after 2 PM on an empty stomach.20,21 Continue the iron through your pregnancy.

If PCOS (Poly Cystic Ovary Syndrome) is present (often present when testosterone or DHEA-S levels are elevated), research shows that treatment with the medication metformin 1500–2000 mg/day not only increased fertility, but also decreased the risk of serious birth defects considerably.22,23,24,25,26

If the Prolactin level is over 10, alcohol and melatonin, (which can raise Prolactin) are to be strictly avoided. Vitamin B6 100 mg or as needed to bring Prolactin within the normal range (but not greater than 200 mg of B6) should be added. Stop the extra B6 (except for what is in the B complex) around seven months into the pregnancy (otherwise it can suppress breast milk).

If folic acid levels are low (lowest 20 percent of normal range) a blood test looking for wheat allergies will be recommended and a gluten free diet instituted if positive. Also Folic Acid 5 mg BID will then be added.27

For The Man

Life Style Education
These are important things to avoid from now until after your wife gets pregnant, as they can cause infertility. Just do the best you can with these guidelines—OK to not be "perfect" with
them.

Sperm do poorly at temperatures over 96 (which is why the testes hang below the rest of the body to stay cooler). Avoid elevated scrotal temperatures by wearing boxer shorts. Do NOT wear briefs, tight fitting underwear or jeans. Avoid hottubs. Avoid rowing/ski machines, treadmills or jogging unless the testes can hang free.

Avoid aspirin, Motrin or similar medications, which block the hormone prostaglandin (Prostaglandins in the seminal fluid may assist sperm). Tylenol is OK in moderation (if you need high doses regularly, discuss with your doctor).

Ribose 5 gm twice a day (can use like sugar and mix in food or drinks or use the chewable tablets). In many studies this increases energy production, which may also help sperm motility. The second dose can be taken any time during the day.

Atkins like diet in a rat study at the Colorado Center for Reproductive medicine decreased fertility over 50%- study presented at [2004] European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology Conference.

Infertility affects one in six couples. It is even more common
in fibromyalgia because of the hypothyroidism, nutritional
deficiencies, and PCOS. These numbers are continuing to
rise as sperm counts drop worldwide and undiagnosed
thyroid problems increase—so you are not alone.

Fortunately, it is often quite reversible, and we have seen
many people with infertility who have been able to conceive.
Please though…don't go telling people it's Dr. Teitelbaum's
baby!

This information will have a lot of tips that can be very
helpful, and are scientifically proven.

Various factors may be responsible for the inability to
achieve a successful pregnancy. Despite research showing
that fertility declines after age 30, women are delaying having
children. Infertility may be caused by ovulatory, anatomic,
immunologic, infectious, nutritional or hormonal factors on
the woman's side. In men, abnormalities of semen parameters
are the most common contributors. Treatments that improve
cellular energy production may dramatically increase sperm
motility (see below). In all couples, both the man and woman
should be treated to optimize fertility.

After a thorough standard medical work-up, the cause of
the infertility often remains unexplained. In this setting, the only
option many couples are given is IVF (In Vitro Fertilization). IVF
is given attention because it costs ~ $30,000+, while research
on inexpensive natural options has been ignored (not because
doctors don't care, but simply because no one will pay to
publicize the information).

The good news is there are many natural ways to improve
all steps of the reproductive process. A large number of studies
have successfully explored the use of individual nutritional and
hormonal therapies, resulting in women with unexplained/
untreatable infertility often getting pregnant!

Treatment: FOR THE WOMAN Life Style Education

These are important things to avoid from now until after
you are three months pregnant, as they can cause infertility.
Just do the best you can with these guidelines—OK to not be
"perfect" with them.

Avoid Coffee and sodas1 (Tea is OK). Coffee and sodas inhibit fertility-often markedly. Especially avoid caffeine if your Prolactin blood test is LOW as it can lower it further.

Avoid melatonin (which is sometimes used to treat insomnia) as it can affect reproductive hormones.2

Avoid taking over 900 mg of supplemental vitamin C (causes reversible infertility). Taking 750 mg a day of vitamin C however helps infertility.3 Do not take over 7000 units of supplemental vitamin A (causes birth defects-beta carotene is OK) daily. The recommended supplement below has 3500 IU of vitamin A (the other 3500 IU it contains is beta carotene).

Avoid hot tubbing (it increases birth defect risks). A hot bath, which is not over 100 degrees in temperature, is a safer way to relax. In a bath much of your upper body will remain out of the water, making you less likely to overheat. Additionally, the water in a bath begins to cool off, as opposed to a hot tub, further reducing any risk of overheating.4 A hot tub is usually set at 102–104 degrees, which can overheat your body and can harm the baby.

Avoid a high protein/Atkins' diet5(an Atkins like diet in a rat study decreased fertility over 50 percent).

No alcohol if Prolactin levels are higher than 10 (and avoid in general as is convenient).6

Avoid vaginal lubricants such as FemGlide, Replens, and Astroglide, which can damage sperm. Pre-seed brand is OK.7

If you smoke, stop till after the baby is born. Smoking contributes to infertility in many ways.8

Lifestyle things to do to help get pregnant

It works best to have intercourse on the day you ovulate and up to four days before (otherwise "ad lib" whenever you feel like it). It is OK to have intercourse multiple times during this period. For purposes of getting pregnant, intercourse even one day after ovulation is unlikely to result in pregnancy—but OK to do anyway for its other benefits.

Use whole milk instead of low fat or fat free milk products. In a Harvard study, high intake of low-fat dairy foods was associated with an increased risk of infertility, while an increased intake of high-fat dairy foods was associated with a lower risk of infertility. Women consuming at least two servings of low-fat dairy foods per day showed an 85 percent increased risk of infertility. On the other hand, women consuming at least one serving of high-fat dairy foods per day showed a 27 percent reduced risk of infertility.9 Whole milk products (instead of low fat ) also taste better!

Treatments To Optimize Fertility

Supply overall nutritional support with the "Energy Revitalization System" by Enzymatic Therapy, and a healthy, well-balanced diet.10,11,12,13 As noted above, dieting and high protein/low carbohydrate diets are to be avoided.14,15 Stay on these when you get pregnant and through breast feeding.

Add prescription Armour thyroid 30 mg adjusted to dose that feels best (to a maximum of 90 mg) or Synthroid 25–75 mcg16,17 while keeping Free T4 < 75 percent of the upper limit of normal. This can be helpful even if your blood tests are normal. DO NOT TAKE IRON OR CALCIUM SUPPLEMENTS WITHIN SIX HOURS OF THE THYROID DOSE, OR THE THYROID WILL NOT BE ABSORBED. Take your calcium at dinner and bedtime. If you get shaky or hyper or racing heart, lower the thyroid dose (or stop it). Stay on the thyroid through your pregnancy (it supports a healthy pregnancy).

Optimize iron levels. If the ferritin blood test is under 80 or iron percent saturation under 25 percent, treat with an iron tablet; one a day after 2 pm on an empty stomach.18,19 Continue the iron through your pregnancy. Do this even if your doctor says that your blood tests are "normal." Get the actual ferritin test result.

If PCOS (Poly Cystic Ovary Syndrome) is present (suspect if there is acne, overweight, and/or excess facial hair—often present when testosterone or DHEA-S levels are elevated), research shows that treatment with the medication metformin 1500–2000 mg/day not only increased fertility, but also decreased the risk of serious birth defects considerably.20,21,22,23,24

If the Prolactin level is over 10, alcohol and melatonin (which can raise Prolactin) are to be strictly avoided. Vitamin B6 100 mg or as needed to bring Prolactin within the normal range (but not greater than 200 mg of B6) can be added. Stop the extra B6 (except for what is in the multivitamin) around seven months into the pregnancy (otherwise it can suppress breast milk).

If folic acid levels are low (lowest 20 percent of normal range) a blood test looking for wheat allergies is recommended and a gluten free diet instituted if positive. Also Folic Acid 5 mg twice daily should then be added.25

Treatment: FOR THE MAN Life Style Education

These are important things to avoid from now until after your
partner gets pregnant, as they can cause infertility. Just do the
best you can with these guidelines—OK to not be "perfect"
with them.

When convenient, avoid meat with Estrogen (i.e., get your meat from a natural foods store).

Treatments To Optimize Fertility
All of these can be taken together in the morning (or split up
or taken any time of day)

Supply overall nutritional support with the "Energy Revitalization System" vitamin powder. This contains over 50 nutrients including 750 mg of Vitamin C and 100 iu of vitamin E.30,31,32,33 It also supplies folic acid34, 35 and antioxidants. 36

CoEnzyme Q10 at 200 mg/day. Take it with food that contains some fats to enhance absorption.36

Ribose 5 gm twice a day (can use like sugar and mix in food or drinks or use the chewable tablets). In many studies this increases energy production, which may also help sperm motility. The second dose can be taken any time during the day.

Atkins like diet in a rat study at the Colorado Center for Reproductive medicine decreased fertility over 50%- study presented at [?2004] European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology Conference

Follow Us

The products and the claims made about specific products on or through this site have not been evaluated by The Wellness Imperative People or the United States Food and Drug Administration and are not approved to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. The information provided on this site is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your physician or other health care professional or any information contained on or in any product label or packaging. You should not use the information on this site for diagnosis or treatment of any health problem or for prescription of any medication or other treatment. You should consult with a healthcare professional before starting any diet, exercise or supplementation program, before taking any medication, or if you have or suspect you might have a health problem.